Grado Timbre Master4 Phono Cartridge

Grado Master4

The Grado Master4 is part of the Timbre Series and is the result of decades of experience in phono cartridge design. Thanks to its moving iron design based on Joseph Grado’s patented flux-bridger principle, the Master4 generates a precise signal with an extremely low moving mass, while keeping the coil structure fixed. As a result, it delivers speed, control, and harmonic integrity with outstanding long-term reliability.

Furthermore, the Master4 features a nude elliptical diamond mounted on a machined boron cantilever, ensuring effective groove contact and highly accurate detail retrieval. The body, on the other hand, is crafted from American Osage wood, which helps control resonances and define the tonal balance. The signal path employs ultra-high purity 6N OCC copper, while each cartridge undergoes cryogenic treatment and internal damping to preserve signal integrity. The redesigned body shape also improves cantilever visibility during setup, allowing for more precise alignment.

Available in both High Output and Low Output versions, the Grado Master4 is therefore compatible with a wide range of phono stages and tonearms. Its presentation remains balanced and controlled, with rich midrange, natural highs, and well-structured bass. Recordings are reproduced with stability and coherence, maintaining excellent channel separation and soundstage without any form of exaggeration.

Specifications

Body: American Osage wood
Cantilever: Machined boron with elliptical diamond
Output: High Output 4.0 mV / Low Output 1.0 mV @ 5 cm/s (45°)
Inductance: High Output 55 mH / Low Output 6 mH
Resistance: High Output 660 Ω / Low Output 70 Ω
Input load: 10 kΩ – 47 kΩ
Cartridge weight: 9.6 g
Tracking force: 1.6 – 1.9 g
Compliance: 20 μm/mN
Channel separation: Average 30 dB (10 Hz – 30 kHz)
Controlled frequency response: 10 Hz – 60 kHz
Capacitive load: Not sensitive
Available versions: High Output, Low Output